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    Recipes » Appetizers + Snack » Easy Cold Appetizers Finger Food Recipes

    Easy Cold Appetizers Finger Food Recipes

    Jan 5, 2023 · Last updated: Jan 6, 2023 by Gina Dickson · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

    I appreciate your shares! xox

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    Wraps, olive, dips, skewers, and finger foods

    Every party needs some easy-to-eat cold appetizers finger foods! These no-cook recipes are perfect for parties as they often require less work, and they're sure to be a hit with your guests!

    finger food appetizers, roll ups, cucumber bites, skewered and bowls of appetizers

    Life gets so busy, and fellowship with friends seems to get pushed by the wayside often.

    Hospitality Tip: It's important to keep life's business in perspective. When it boils down to one purpose in life, it all comes down to relationships. That is why I want to encourage you to focus on gathering with friends with a low-key attitude. I have some quick, no-bake appetizers that you can whip up and enjoy while spending time talking with friends.

    Make time for the ones we love.

    Easy Cold Appetizer Recipes

    This collection of easy cold appetizers includes finger foods that don't require any heat, can be eaten without a fork, and can be served either cold or at room temperature.

    🎉 Need more yummy ideas for your party Tap over to my budget-friendly appetizer suggestions and these delicious meatball appetizer ideas.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Cold Appetizer Recipes
    • Serving Tips For Cold Finger Foods
    • 💭 Menu Tips For Cold Party Appetizers
    • What to Serve with Cold Party Foods
    • Cold Dips
    • Cold Cheese Appetizers
    • Toothpick and Skewer Appetizers
    • Finger Food Party Appetizers
    • Roll-up Appetizers
    • Finger Sandwiches
    • More Best Appetizer Ideas

    Serving Tips For Cold Finger Foods

    With a few simple tips, you can make ahead and then safely serve cold appetizers.

    ❄️ How do you keep appetizers cold at a party?

    1. There are a couple of ways you can keep cold foods cold when serving them for a party. First, serve them up on small platters. This requires a bit more work as you will need to refill more often, but since they're sitting out for less time, they remain cold.

    2. Dips and spreads can be served in insulated bowls, or you can place a bowl in the freezer prior to filling it to chill it. This helps to keep the dip colder for longer. I like using this stainless steel bowl nestled on an ice bowl set.

    3. If the appetizers don't have perishable ingredients such as fresh produce, you can stick them in the freezer for 15-30 minutes prior to serving to chill them. The goal isn't to freeze them just to reduce the temperature to just above freezing.

    Last, keep in mind that not everything needs to be cold, so consider which will be ok at room temperature and which really are best when super cold.

    💭 Menu Tips For Cold Party Appetizers

    hands picking up cheese with skewers

    When planning a menu, the most popular types of cold appetizers include canapes, small bites that can be eaten using the fingers in one or two bites, dips, crudites, and cheeses.

    I am sharing with you some of my favorites that I know your friends and family will enjoy at your next party.

    Keep these tips in mind when planning your party menu.

    • Select a variety of easy appetizers! You want to have different flavors, shapes, and textures.
    • Don't forget to offer up a few items that are vegan or vegetarian for guests who don't eat meat.
    • Plan the serving pieces ahead of time and how you will keep items cold.

    What to Serve with Cold Party Foods

    It's perfectly all right to serve only cold appetizers, it makes party planning easier. Cold appetizers are perfect for a baby shower, cocktail party, to kick off a dinner party, or any gathering where people will be hanging out before a meal or having drinks.

    However, if you would like to serve more than just cold party food I have some ideas for you.

    • Hot Appetizers: Unless you're serving just a light spread of appetizers, such as before a meal or for a short period of time, you will likely want to include some hot items on the menu. I love these buffalo air fryer turkey meatballs and vegan stuffed mushrooms for parties! Serve some Mexican-themed appetizers or these low-calorie appetizers.
    • Party Cocktails: Be sure and browse through these cocktail, mocktail, and party juice recipes. I am sure you will find an easy-to-serve drink idea.

    Ok, let's plan a party! Pick out some of the best cold appetizers, tap the recipe button to read more about the recipe, and print. Be sure to grab my Free Party Planner. It includes a party count-down timeline, grocery list, menu planner, and many more pages to help you plan a great party with ease.

    Cold Dips

    Cold dips are great because they require less work than other dishes. Usually, you just need to mix them up and put them in a bowl. They go on the table with your favorite chips, some fresh veggies, or an assortment of crackers and breads.

    Black Eyed Pea Hummus
    black eyed pea hummus in a bowl
    Black Eyed Pea Hummus is where the south meets traditional hummus with a twist in this delicious, slightly nutty flavored dip.
    Recipe
    Mexican Caviar Recipe
    The perfect Mexican appetizer dip or salad for a party! Made with healthy ingredients including a variety of beans, tomatoes, chilies, fresh onions, cilantro, garlic then seasoned with cumin and lime.
    Recipe
    Mexican Caviar Recipe in a blue bowl with taco chips by it.
    Authentic Tasting Copycat Lipton Onion Soup Dip Recipe
    This recipe is a healthy copycat version of the classic Lipton Onion Soup Dip Recipe without all the preservatives in the box mix. It takes less than 5 minutes to make this rich and creamy dip using everyday pantry staples and fresh sour cream.
    Recipe
    lipton onion soup dip recipe ina white bowl with potato chips around it
    Crab Rangoon Dip
    Succulent crab, cream cheese, green onions, and a handful of other simple ingredients is all you need to make a tasty crab dip for parties. It’s also flexible enough to use other types of seafood too!
    Recipe
    Cauliflower Hummus
    Cauliflower Hummus has a creamy nutty flavor, with hints of roasted garlic, cumin, and sesame. It is a nutritious snack that is paleo, keto, and vegan.
    Recipe
    cauliflower hummus
    Lima Bean Hummus
    Lima bean hummus is a smooth buttery dip that is perfect with crackers and bread or as a condiment on sandwiches.
    Recipe
    LIMA BEAN HUMMUS
    Boiled Peanut Hummus
    Y'all are going to love this Boiled Peanut Hummus! A smooth, nutty flavor with a punch of lemon and garlic makes this a southern hummus boiled peanut recipe you will make again and again.
    Recipe
    boiled peanut hummus
    Easy Black Bean Dip (Vegan)
    This easy black bean dip is a healthy appetizer to serve up for parties! It goes great with tortilla chips, crackers, or even veggie sticks. It has the perfect amount of spice, a bit of zing from the limes, and lots of earthy flavors.
    Recipe
    Easy Black Bean Dip (Vegan)

    Cold Cheese Appetizers

    Cheese makes an easy appetizer to serve for parties. There is a lot of variety and different combinations you can offer! They're great added to platters, served up in a bowl, or skewered up on toothpicks.

    Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe
    The Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe is a classic southern tradition, full of creamy swiss and cheddar cheese mixed in with just the right amount of pimentos.
    The famous Masters Pimento Cheese Recipe is s traditional southern sandwich spread that has been served at the Augusta National golf tournament concession stands for over 50 years. It also makes a party dip that's sure to be a big hit!
    Recipe
    Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Goat Cheese
    A simple 5-ingredient party dip made with roasted red peppers and goat cheese. This tasty dip goes together in a flash but tastes like you spent hours on it!
    Recipe
    Garlic and Herb Whipped Ricotta Dip
    This creamy concoction is one of the best cold dips to serve! Blended ricotta cheese, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and a handful of herbs make a winning dip your guests will love.
    Recipe
    Strawberry Balsamic Cream Cheese Bites
    A simple appetizer that combines a stunning look with Classic Italian flavors of strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and cracked black pepper. The addition of cream cheese makes a creamy, tangy base for the strawberry topping.
    Recipe
    Whipped Ricotta Crostini - Through The Fibro Fog
    Crostinis are one of everyone’s classic cold finger foods! Crispy homemade toasts are topped with a sweet, herb-filled creamy ricotta cheese. While the toasts need to be cooked, you can also use store bought toasts to skip the cooking. Full of rich creamy flavor, they're sure to be a crowd pleaser.
    Recipe
    Marinated Mozzarella Balls
    These easy marinated mozzarella balls are perfect to add to a cold charcuterie and cheese board. Fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil infuse the cheese with tons of flavor.
    Recipe

    Toothpick and Skewer Appetizers

    Serving food up on a skewer or toothpick makes food easier to eat for your guests! They are a bit time-consuming to prepare so you might only want to offer one along with a variety of types of cold appetizers for your party.

    Quick Marinated Mozzarella Balls
    Roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and a handful of simple herbs and spices infuse mozzarella balls with flavor. Add these antipasto skewers to a cheese board or grazing board for your guests to enjoy or you can skewer them for an easy passed appetizer.
    Recipe
    Charcuterie Cups
    Individual mini charcuterie cups make a tasty cold appetizer for parties. It’s easy to fill them with unique and fun combinations that wow party guests and fit your budget. This easy finger food recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare!
    Recipe
    Prosciutto Melon Skewers
    Juicy melon and salty prosciutto make a winning combination for this skewered appetizer. It’s the perfect easy party appetizer for a dinner party or great cold appetizer for a cocktail party that's always a crowd pleaser.
    Recipe
    Cuban Sandwich Appetizer Skewers
    Need a fun to make and fun to eat appetizer skewers? This easy cold appetizer on a stick is made with layers of Swiss cheese, ham, Dijon mustard, salami, and baby dill pickles.
    Recipe
    Pasta Salad Skewers
    These pasta salad skewers are the perfect answer to serving a salad for a cocktail party! Tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil are layered onto skewers for an easy to eat handheld appetizer.
    Recipe

    Finger Food Party Appetizers

    Party appetizers need to be easy to eat and that's where finger foods fit in perfectly. They generally don't require a fork and can easily be eaten in one or two bites. Some may require a toothpick offered on the side.

    Often they are simple recipes that you can easily prepare making them perfect for parties.

    Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe
    Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe in a bowl
    Bring a little Sicily to your table with this delicious Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe. The olives are infused with fresh herbs, garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of chili pepper for heat all smothered in extra virgin olive oil and white vinegar dressing.
    Recipe
    Cucumber Hummus Bite
    Crispy phyllo cups are filled with hummus and an easy cucumber chopped salad for a great appetizer for parties and gatherings. They’re great to make up ahead of time and easy to change up the flavors if you want.
    Recipe
    Avocado Goat Cheese Cucumber Appetizers
    A cucumber appetizer topped with a creamy, flavorful avocado and goat cheese mixture. They’re perfect little bites for any party or get together. They’re also naturally vegetarian, low carb, keto, and gluten-free.
    Recipe
    Cucumber Bites
    Crisp cucumber slices are topped with spicy creamy Buffalo chicken. An easy to make appetizer that’s a crowd pleasing veggie filled snack that’s perfect for parties and all types of gatherings.
    Recipe
    Cucumber Bites
    Looking for a healthy cold appetizer for your party? Try these thick sliced cucumbers topped with hummus and a tomato. They’re so simple and easy to make! Plus they are suitable for a wide variety of diets.
    Recipe
    Classic Keto Deviled Eggs
    Deviled eggs are a traditional favorite when it comes to cold appetizers! They’re the perfect finger food for so many different occasions and everyone always loves them.
    Recipe

    Roll-up Appetizers

    Roll-ups are one of my favorite cold party appetizers! They're super easy to make ahead, perfect for groups both large and small, and usually a hit with guests. They may be made on a large flour tortilla, slices of meat, or other types of thin flatbread.

    Cream Cheese Ham Roll Ups
    These ham roll ups are a low carb appetizer everyone will love. Thinly sliced ham is layered with cream cheese, cheddar cheese and green onions. No cooking required and they take just minutes to make. A tasty appetizer you can easily prepare in advance so you can enjoy your party too!
    Recipe
    Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Rolls
    A simple cold appetizer that’s easy to make for groups large and small. Use lavash bread for the base and top it with creamy cheese and crisp cucumbers. Great texture and flavor for a light and fresh appetizer that’s a great addition to any party menu.
    Recipe
    Vegan Pinwheels
    Large flour tortillas are filled with a rainbow of fresh vegetables and a delicious, easy to make chickpea spread make a tasty cold appetizer that’s great to serve for parties.
    Recipe
    Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups
    A spicy version of Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups thanks to the addition of pickled jalapenos. Crisp dill pickles are wrapped in pastrami, cream cheese and jalapeno for an easy pickle appetizer you can whip up for events from parties to potlucks.
    Recipe

    Finger Sandwiches

    Finger sandwiches are easy appetizers that can be made before a party. Learn all the tips you need to know about the best tea sandwiches to make ahead. These tips and recipes will save you time, and give you the opportunity to enjoy your party without a lot of fuss in the kitchen.

    tea sandwiches on trays cucumber, tuna, and cheese
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    More Best Appetizer Ideas

    • Meatball Appetizer Recipes For A Party
    • Easy Mexican Appetizers
    • Easy Make Ahead Tea Sandwiches
    • What to Serve with Tilapia

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    I appreciate your shares! xox

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    About Gina Dickson

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

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